Bavaria. A War Merit Cross, Second Class with Swords

1905-1913 Issue. Militärverdienstkreuz des Militärverdienstorden 2. Klasse mit Schwertern. A silver frosted zink Maltese cross; the obverse with a central medallion bearing the crowned cipher of King Ludwig II within a border in the form of a buckled belt inscribed with lettering reading “Merenti” (Latin - “Merit”); the reverse with a central medallion bearing a crowned Bavarian lion within a border in the form of a buckled belt with numbers reading “1866”; suspended from a structure composed of arabesques with swords attached to the top of the cross; on its court-mounted ribbon bar by its original ribbon; measuring 42.57 mm (w) x 42.40 mm (h); weighing 29.6 grams; the cross heavily oxidized; in overall very fine condition.

This offering is a part of the "Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection", a preeminent assemblage of world Orders, Medals, and Decorations composed solely by Dr.Goodwin between 1946-1967. Dr. Goodwin had a successful career as an educator and prominent physician in New York as well as actively serving in both World Wars with the United States Medical Corps. He acted as both President and Vice-President of the Orders and Medals Society of America (OMSA) and is responsible for organizing their first convention in 1960. He maintained further membership with the American Society of Military Collectors, the International Orders Research Society, and the American Numismatic Society. His knowledge and passion for history and awards is evident in this meticulously compiled collection that is now available in its entirety for the first time exclusively on eMedals.com.